Extra ride to East Lothian next Saturday

We've got the fourth of this summer's Extra rides next Saturday (29th).

In what has become very much a tradition for our August Extras, this ride will be in memory of Logan Strang, a long-standing 20-Milers regular who died while cycling with some of our group in 2017. The route is one that he often took us on and which was a particular favourite of his.

The route

The ride will start in Musselburgh. Under Glenn's leadership, we'll head east along the coast road, part of which is an A-road and therefore possibly busy with traffic. But it has the advantage of being reasonably flat - not to mention having excellent views over the Firth of Forth. We'll turn inland at Aberlady, after which we'll take mainly quiet roads to Drem, East Fortune and Athelstaneford.

The return leg will also be on quiet roads through attractive countryside. There will be a few hills on this part of the route, but there will only be one that is likely to be at all strenuous. We'll eventually rejoin the coast near Seton Sands before returning to Musselburgh.

Be aware that this will be a particularly long ride. The total distance from and to Musselburgh will be about 36 miles. Musselburgh is a further seven miles from central Edinburgh, so, depending where you start from, your total mileage might be nearer 50. As well as the extended mileage, the ride will go at a faster pace and with fewer stops than most of our runs. Please keep that in mind when deciding if your fitness level will be right for this outing.

Lunch stop

Although the route will be the similar to previous years, the lunch arrangements will be different. We previously stopped for our midday break at the cafe at the Merryhatton garden centre. Unfortunately, the centre recently changed hands and there is no longer a suitable cafe there.

Fortunately, there is a nice picnic spot at Athelstaneford - just a mile or so further on from the garden centre. So please be sure to bring food and drink for a picnic lunch. There are picnic tables and toilets there (there are also toilets at the meeting place and we'll have an additional toilet stop on the way home).

As you might know, Athelstaneford is noted as the "home of the Saltire". If time permits, we'll have a very brief stop at the parish church where there is a small exhibit telling the story of the Scottish flag.

Time and place

Our meeting point for the ride will be Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh (see here if you need directions). Please be there in time for a 10:30 departure. The ride will finish in Musselburgh mid- to late-afternoon.

Before you set out

As always on a long ride, it is important for our bikes to be in good road-worthy condition.  So before you set out, please check that your tyres are properly inflated and free of stones or other fragments that might cause punctures, and that the gears and brakes are working smoothly. I know I don't need to remind you to bring a spare inner tube and whatever tools, if any, are required for removing your wheels in the event of a puncture.

As always, there is no need to let us know in advance whether you intend to join us. If you plan to attend, just turn up at the appointed time and place.